A family trust, headed by 25-year-old Western Australian diesel mechanic Kevin Crane, purchased CGS Engineering earlier this year, and with it the contract to commercialise the Harrington Seed Destructor.
A uniquely Australian invention that destroys weed seeds during harvest, the project is funded and run by the Grain Research and Development Corporation (GRDC), owners of the destructor’s patent.
Mr Crane says upon taking over the project he looked into other engine options, but continued to use the 200 horsepower 4HK1 diesel engine because “it’s a good motor”.
“They’re excellent engines, really simple to install, and they have good remote control systems,” Mr Crane said. “When we took over the project, the GRDC said as long as we’re happy relying on Isuzu diesel engines then we should continue to use them – so we did.”
Since then, his team has redesigned the entire engine bay so now everything is bought from Isuzu and is bolted in with ease.
“Use of the 4HK1 diesel engine has led to a significant reduction in vibration compared to previous models used, putting us that one step closer to commercialisation,” Mr Crane said.
Engine modifications, including bigger holes in the radiator and a larger air filter, have assisted the team to increase airflow and prevent blockages in the dry and dusty conditions.
Isuzu Industrial and Marine Engines Manager Dean Whitford is a key supporter of the project and is called upon to assist with engine modifications.
“Naturally there have been some hurdles along the way, particularly due to the harsh environment this equipment operates in, but we’ve been able to help them overcome these,” he said.
“It’s an exciting project to be involved in, one that will revolutionise crop management in this country.”
The Kojonup-based enterprise 256 km south-east of Perth, has four prototypes fitted with Isuzu engine technology.
In conjunction with the Western Australia Herbicide Resistance Initiative, testing is continuing in various locations including the state’s northern wheat belt.
Provided testing is successful, Mr Crane expects a limited commercial release of models to be available in two years.
See more about Isuzu Trucks in Australia, at http://www.isuzu.com.au/.
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